AirPods With Cameras Could Arrive Sooner Than Expected

[MacRumors]

Apple's first camera-equipped AirPods could launch as soon as next month, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Apple has reportedly spent years working on camera-equipped AirPods under the code name "B798," as part of a broader AI wearables push that also encompasses smart glasses and a wearable AI pendant. That model had been on track for a 2026 release before slipping to 2027.

In his latest "Power On" newsletter, Gurman said that a separate camera AirPods project, code named "B790," has been progressing alongside B798. He noted this isn't unusual for Apple, saying the company "famously creates competing versions of the same product internally." He added that the B790 hardware is closer to production. Pieces of it have turned up in iOS 27's code, and it is reportedly listed internally as a candidate to ship before the year is out.

It is not the first sign of B790's existence. Developer Sam Henri Gold found traces of the same codename buried in the second iOS 27 developer beta last month. Gurman did not mention what separates the B790 hardware from the more advanced B798 model, and it's still an open question whether Apple will ultimately ship both.

Rather than taking photos or video, the sensors in Apple's camera AirPods are expected to hand Siri a live view of a wearer's surroundings, tying into existing Visual Intelligence tools. Because a camera-equipped model is expected to cost more than the current $249 AirPods Pro 3, Gurman previously said Apple is weighing "AirPods Ultra" branding rather than calling them "AirPods Pro 4."

If the B790 model does arrive this year, a September debut alongside new iPhones is the most likely scenario, while the fuller featured B798 version remains slated for late 2027.

Article Link: AirPods With Cameras Could Arrive Sooner Than Expected

 

[surfzen21]

Crazy we get Air Pod Pros with cameras before GTA6 drops 😂

 

[EU-Regulations]

Nooo, that ain't creepy at all.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Rather than taking photos or video, the sensors in Apple's camera AirPods are expected to hand Siri a live view of a wearer's surroundings, tying into existing Visual Intelligence tools.

Before everybody freaks out, these are not going to have cameras for recording anything.

These will not be the PervPods Pro.

Those are still to come later. 🤣

 

[Dr McKay]

Really feels like a “solution looking for a problem” to me.

 

[tech_enthusiast_]

I'm curious how they're going to position this and how the general public is going to react. The general sentiment towards Meta glasses and other devices with cameras has soured quickly (justifiably, IMO). Even if these don't have a camera that actually records other people, I suspect people will be dubious and make a big deal about it online.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

The eyes of Siri (or Sauron)

I'm trying to fathom how this could actually aid Siri and the user?

User: Hey Siri, where's the nearest bakery?
Siri: It's just up ahead! I can see it, why can't you??

Disclaimer: Long haired users...pls wear hair up or a pony tail.

 

[Superman041]

I’ll wait for the AirPods ultra or whatever they call the camera version .

 

[sleven]

Looking for lossless hi-res audio streaming before I need cameras attached to my ears.

 

[tech_enthusiast_]

The eyes of Siri (or Sauron)

I'm trying to fathom how this could actually aid Siri and the user?

User: Hey Siri, where's the nearest bakery?
Siri: It's just up ahead! I can see it, why can't you??

Disclaimer: Long haired users...pls wear hair up or a pony tail.

I think the application is more accessibility focused. For someone with low or no vision, having AirPods that can describe surroundings could be super helpful for safety and general information.

 

[svish]

Waiting to see the actual benefit of having this new camera/infrared/LiDAR sensor on AirPods.

 

[MacOH21]

Apple's ultimate flex: "Did you know you can see with your ears?"

 

[Alpha Centauri]

I'm curious how they're going to position this and how the general public is going to react. The general sentiment towards Meta glasses and other devices with cameras has soured quickly (justifiably, IMO). Even if these don't have a camera that actually records other people, I suspect people will be dubious and make a big deal about it online.

Good points re privacy.

In Germany there are many functions in iOS just not available because of privacy. Door cams just outside apartment doors a huge no no and Mercedes not allowing use of their own built-in dash cams even. Photographing any individuals in public..forget about it..it's an offence.

So if they don't record an image for the end user, I can still imagine folks in public will frown upon this, not understanding the tech and the limitations? I don't know. Depends how obvious the camera will be.

I still don't quite understand what the advantage for Siri exactly is?

 

[stealthytolkien]

AirFlocks

 

[xraydoc]

Doesn't matter if these can actually record anything or save images. Once people catch wind of "cameras" in them, I'm certain it will result in an effective ban on all AirPods in places like locker rooms and such. Not particularly happy here.

 

[Mr_Ed]

I'm curious how they're going to position this and how the general public is going to react. The general sentiment towards Meta glasses and other devices with cameras has soured quickly (justifiably, IMO). Even if these don't have a camera that actually records other people, I suspect people will be dubious and make a big deal about it online.

Part of my own objections is this claims they have “sensors” to tell Siri pf the surroundings, which is pretty vague. Simple proximity sensing would be next to useless unless you are explicitly making an assistive device rather than a mass market consumer product. That leaves us with “image” of some kind for it to be of any use, and even if there isn’t a function to explicitly record or photograph, I’m not cool with any of it streaming to some back end AI “black box.” The privacy issues remain.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

I think the application is more accessibility focused. For someone with low or no vision, having AirPods that can describe surroundings could be super helpful for safety and general information.

Now that's a great use case I never considered. Thank you

 

[AppleWes]

Rather than taking photos or video, the sensors in Apple's camera AirPods are expected to hand Siri a live view of a wearer's surroundings, tying into existing Visual Intelligence tools.

How is that supposed to make it sound better?
If true, it means live random pictures or video are being sent without even pressing record to "hand Siri a live view"

 

[EuropaAeterna]

I can see it being implemented in the new Bond movie. “Two goons on your right, 007”.

 

[MacOH21]

I tend to think this would work more like how your car has cameras and sensors for parking and lane assist. No one complains about privacy there because we all see the advantages.

 

[sherwinzadeh]

I would imagine cameras to be a huge drain on batteries (which are already limited, especially after a couple years of use).

 

[kerr]

New model of AirPods Pro every year? Yeah ok.

 

[Mr. Incandenza]

Probably intended to be used with the AR glasses as well, similar to the cameras used for hand tracking in Vision Pro.

 

[Kirkster]

Gunna pass on this. Last thing I need is my AirPods texting me about getting my ear hair trimmed for better visibility.

 

[AppleWes]

I tend to think this would work more like how your car has cameras and sensors for parking and lane assist. No one complains about privacy there because we all see the advantages.

IMO it's more about "private areas in public" like gym locker rooms / hospitals / schools etc. Not ok to be recording or have any type of live camera views accessible.